Sustainability > Social > Human Rights
Human Rights
Upholding Freedom, Ensuring Fair Labour Practices
Human Rights at WTK
We recognise human rights risks across our diverse businesses, including oil palm plantation and palm oil milling, tapes manufacturing and marketing, and cold food distribution and grocery operation. Salient human rights issues relevant to these industries—such as fair labour practices, workplace health and safety, community and indigenous rights, and responsible supply chains—are identified through continuous monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
Our Action
Oversight and Resources
Human rights oversight is assigned to Board Risk Management Committee.
Human rights responsibilities are managed by Human Resource, Sustainability and Operation Department, with resources to act effectively.
Embedding into Practice
Expectations on human rights are clearly communicated to all employees, suppliers and business associates.
Training is provided to all employees to ensure awareness and application of our human rights policy.
Stakeholder Engagement
Regular meetings with employees, community representatives and suppliers are held to identify concerns and address potential impacts.
Feedback gathered from meetings, dialogues and other mechanisms is documented and used to strengthen our policies and practices.
Stakeholder Meeting held on 12 December 2024
Upholding International Human Rights and Labour Standards
Embedding Human Rights Principles
The Group publicly affirms its commitment to respect and support the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. In doing so, the Group references key international human rights instruments, including the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. The Group also aligns its practices with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) under the corporate responsibility to respect human rights.
Implementation in Practice
In line with this, the Group applies the ILO’s indicators of forced labour as part of its efforts to identify, monitor and manage potential risks across its operations and supply chain. This commitment supports alignment with international good practices and promotes fair, safe and responsible workplace standards.
Integrating Human Rights Impact Assessments into Business Processes
The Group integrates ongoing human rights risk assessments into its core business processes to proactively identify, assess and mitigate potential adverse human rights impacts. Human rights considerations are embedded into governance, enterprise risk management, operational due diligence and stakeholder engagement processes, supporting informed decision-making and continuous improvement across our operations and business relationships.
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Abuse of Vulnerability
- Free childcare is provided for workers’ children.
- Workers and their families have access to free medical facilities and care.
- Grievance reporting mechanism is in place and accessible to all workers.
Deception
Retention of Identity Documents
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Deception
- Workers are employed in the roles they were hired for and are not reassigned to other positions without consent.
- Salaries and wages are paid in full compliance with legal requirements and are not less than the amounts stated in the offer letter and during the interview.
Retention of Identity Documents
Restriction of Movement
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Retention of Identity Documents
- Workers retain custody of their own passports, secured in designated lockers provided.
Restriction of Movement
Excessive Overtime
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Restriction of Movement
- Workers can access medical attention at any time without needing prior permission.
- Workers can take leave according to their entitlements without undue restrictions.
- Surveillance cameras are not installed in dormitories, washrooms or other private areas.
Excessive Overtime
Abusive Working Conditions
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Excessive Overtime
- Compliance with Malaysian labour laws on working hours and overtime
- Promotion of healthy work–life balance and prevention of excessive working hours
- Active monitoring of working schedules to reduce fatigue and ensure workplace safety
- No worker can be compelled to work on a rest day.
- Workers are aware that overtime work is voluntary and are informed about overtime wage rate.
Abusive Working Conditions
Isolation
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Abusive Working Conditions
- PPE is provided for free, tailored to specific taks and kept in usable condition.
- Potable water and electricity are supplied to workers.
- Canteens offer food and essential items at reasonable prices.
Isolation
Withholding of Wages
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Isolation
- Phone and internet connectivity are made available.
- Workers are free to contact family members without restrictions on mobile phone usage.
- Free transportation to nearby towns is available upon request.
Withholding of Wages
Debt Bondage
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Withholding of Wages
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Wages are not withheld under any circumstances.
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Wages are paid to employees within a designated and consistent wage period.
-
Payslips clearly outline earnings and applicable rates.
Debt Bondage
Physical and Sexual Violence
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Debt Bondage
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Workers are not required to pay deposits or fees for the upkeep of work tools provided by the Group.
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Wage deductions comply strictly with legal regulations and are closely monitored.
Physical and Sexual Violence
Intimidation and Threats
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Physical and Sexual Violence
- Workers are encouraged to report any concerns, with assurance that their interests will be protected.
- Relevant policy is established, communicated and enforced.
Intimidation and Threats
Abuse of Vulberability
Our Measures to Mitigate Human Rights Issues
Intimidation and Threats
- Workers are not subjected to intimidation or threats to coerce them into working against their will.
Abuse of Vulberability
Deception
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Our Measures
Abuse of Vulnerability
- Free childcare is provided for workers’ children.
- Workers and their families have access to free medical facilities and care.
- Grievance reporting mechanism is in place and accessible to all workers.
Deception
- Workers are employed in the roles they were hired for and are not reassigned to other positions without consent.
- Salaries and wages are paid in full compliance with legal requirements and are not less than the amounts stated in the offer letter and during the interview.
Retention of Identity Documents
- Workers retain custody of their own passports, secured in designated lockers provided.
Restriction of Movement
- Workers can access medical attention at any time without needing prior permission.
- Workers can take leave according to their entitlements without undue restrictions.
- Surveillance cameras are not installed in dormitories, washrooms or other private areas.
Excessive Overtime
- Compliance with Malaysian labour laws on working hours and overtime.
- Promotion of healthy work–life balance and prevention of excessive working hours.
- Active monitoring of working schedules to reduce fatigue and ensure workplace safety.
- No worker can be compelled to work on a rest day.
Workers are aware that overtime work is voluntary and are informed about overtime wage rate.
Abusive Working Conditions
- PPE is provided for free, tailored to specific taks and kept in usable condition.
- Potable water and electricity are supplied to workers.
- Canteens offer food and essential items at reasonable prices.
Isolation
- Phone and internet connectivity are made available.
- Workers are free to contact family members without restrictions on mobile phone usage.
- Free transportation to nearby towns is available upon request.
Withholding of Wages
-
Wages are not withheld under any circumstances.
-
Wages are paid to employees within a designated and consistent wage period.
-
Payslips clearly outline earnings and applicable rates.
Debt Bondage
-
Workers are not required to pay deposits or fees for the upkeep of work tools provided by the Group.
-
Wage deductions comply strictly with legal regulations and are closely monitored.
Physical and Sexual Violence
-
Workers are encouraged to report any concerns, with assurance that their interests will be protected.
-
Relevant policy is established, communicated and enforced.
Intimidation and Threats
- Workers are not subjected to intimidation or threats to coerce them into working against their will.
Safe and Dignified Working and Living Conditions
The Group provides employees and workers with fair and respectful working conditions. The workforce is offered suitable housing and essential amenities. The Group continues to improve the living facilities to meet the changing needs of our employees, ensuring their well-being is a fundamental concern.
Labour Quarter at Estate
Guest Accommodation at the Estate
Estate Canteens Supplying Affordable Food and Basic Necessities
Water Treatment Plant to Provide Access to Clean Water
Supporting Children's Rights
WTK recognises that children have the right to protection, education, health and development. We are committed to respecting and supporting children's rights by providing a safe, responsible and child labour-free workplace, while promoting the well-being of employees' families.
In line with the Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966 (Amendment 2019), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance and other applicable labour legislation, the Group strictly prohibits child labour and verifies the minimum working age during recruitment.
Our approach is guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Children's Rights and Business Principles (CRBP), which are integrated into our human rights practices and employment processes. Through practical initiatives that support children's education, safety and well-being, WTK seeks to contribute positively to the development of children within the communities where we operate. Beyond legal compliance, we support children's rights through practical initiatives across our operations, including:
Education Support
We provide free transportation for employees' children to travel safely to and from school, helping to remove barriers to education and encourage regular school attendance.
Childcare Support
Our plantation estates provide free crèche facilities for employees' infants and young children, offering a safe and caring environment during working hours.
Family Well-being
We support the welfare of employees' families through facilities and practices that contribute to children's health, safety and overall well-being.
Commitment to Remedy
Formal grievance channels cover human rights explicitly, ensuring accessibility, confidentiality and anonymity for both internal and external stakeholders. Where impacts are identified, we are committed to providing remedy to affected individuals and communities. Our approach includes:
Investigate
identified human rights harms in a transparent manner
WORK
with those affected to understand their needs
IMPLEMENT
appropriate corrective actions
REVIEW
preventative systems to reduce the risk of recurrence
Forced and Compulsory Labour Policy
Work with dignity, free from coercion.
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